Assistant Headteacher

Job Introduction

Are You Ready to Make a Difference? 

If you are passionate about leading a school where children are nurtured and encouraged to grow academically, socially and emotionally, then Elson Junior School is the place for you.

Elson Junior School is a vibrant three form entry, local authority-maintained school situated in a residential area, with plenty of outdoor green space.   We serve the local community by providing an inclusive, high-quality education for all pupils. 

We are looking to recruit a passionate Assistant Headteacher who will use their existing skills and experience to build on the school's current position and achievements by continuing to inspire both children and staff to work to their greatest potential. 

We would like someone who:

• Is deeply committed to ensuring the best outcomes for all children.
• Has an up-to-date understanding of evidence-based teaching and learning strategies.
• Has a proven track record of leading teaching and learning, delivering measurably improved outcomes for children.
• Can ‘walk the walk’ and is an outstanding classroom practitioner.
• Is approachable, supportive and will celebrate the achievements of all.
• Knows how to lead teams successfully in implementing school improvement actions and how to effectively review their impact.
• Has an excellent understanding of how to deliver meaningful professional development for all staff in school in order to drive teaching and learning forward.

About Our School

Our vision is driven by the core values of integrity, aspiration, compassion, creativity and adaptability which underpin everything we do. We aim to nurture happy, successful and confident children who feel valued and are prepared to contribute positively to both our school and the wider community.

At Elson Junior School we:

• Uphold high standards of learning and behaviour.
• Foster positive self-esteem and mutual respect.
• Create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment.
• Build strong home-school partnerships to support each child’s growth and happiness.
• Show care for our environment and proudly represent our school.

Curriculum 

We offer a broad and balanced curriculum designed to spark curiosity and foster a lifelong love of learning. Our engaging and dynamic approach blends exciting topics with creative opportunities, ensuring every pupil is inspired to achieve their best. While we cover the full breadth of the National Curriculum, we place a strong emphasis on mastery in mathematics and writing. Reading is at the heart of our learning philosophy and is integrated across all foundation subjects. 

Extra-curricular provision, care, guidance and support 

Our wide range of extra-curricular activities offers pupils enriching experiences that go beyond the classroom, enhancing personal growth, confidence and vital social skills. For example, the School Council, Eco-Council and Elson Adventurers club foster leadership, empathy and a strong sense of belonging. In addition, our Young Carers, Elson Heroes and bereavement groups are designed to provide vital pastoral support when children are most in need. 

Our development journey

In the last five years, the school has seen significant improvement across all areas. With a focus on quality first teaching, continued professional development and curriculum development, the school has established itself as a welcoming and ambitious learning environment where every child is encouraged and supported to achieve.

The school remains committed to continuous improvement, driven by a forward-thinking approach and a commitment for educational excellence. Our goal is to improve outcomes for all pupils, with a particular focus on vulnerable groups, by: 

• Delivering consistently high-quality teaching in all subjects to enable all pupils to make excellent progress and secure age-related expectations.
• Ensuring rigour and challenge across the curriculum.
• Using ongoing assessments and summative data to plan learning that supports all pupils and builds on their prior knowledge.
• Implementing processes to support improvement from the analysis of pupils’ attendance, wellbeing and behaviour data.

The facilities offered by our spacious building and extensive grounds are excellent, support learning well and provide for up to 360 children in 12 classes.

The computing suite, music and drama room, library and food technology kitchen provide additional indoor learning areas that develop and enrich delivery of the school’s curriculum.

Children’s learning is greatly enhanced by regular use of our extensive outdoor facilities.  The outdoor classroom, pond and woodland are used to extend children’s learning beyond the classroom and to develop the children’s understanding of the environment. 

The Application Process

Before you apply, we welcome visits to the school and would be delighted to show you around. We are offering tours on:

Wednesday 5th November 13:00 – 14:00

Wednesday 5th November 15:30 – 16:30

Wednesday 12th November 13:00 – 14:00

Wednesday 12th November 15:30 – 14:30

If you would like to come and meet us during one of these times, please email d.guy@elson-jun.hants.sch.uk to arrange your visit. 

Links to the job description, person specification and application form can be found with this advertisement.

Applications will need to be returned to d.guy@elson-jun.hants.sch.uk. 

Safer Recruitment

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.